King James Version
What Does Mark 14:59 Mean?
“But neither so did their witness agree together .”
Mark 14:59 · KJV
Context
57
And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
58
We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
59
But neither so did their witness agree together .
60
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut neither so did their witness agree together (καὶ οὐδὲ οὕτως ἴση ἦν ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτῶν, kai oude houtōs isē ēn hē martyria autōn)—Even this more sophisticated false testimony failed the ἴση (isē, 'equal/consistent') standard. Matthew 26:60 specifies 'at the last came two,' suggesting these were the most promising witnesses, yet even they couldn't maintain consistent perjury. The emphatic οὐδὲ οὕτως (oude houtōs, 'not even thus') stresses that despite improvement, they still failed.
Mark's threefold emphasis on failed testimony (vv. 55, 56, 59) creates a dramatic crescendo of frustration for the Sanhedrin. God's Providence preserved His Son from illegal conviction even through the mouths of liars. Proverbs 19:5 promises 'a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape'—divine justice operates even when human courts fail.
Mark's threefold emphasis on failed testimony (vv. 55, 56, 59) creates a dramatic crescendo of frustration for the Sanhedrin. God's Providence preserved His Son from illegal conviction even through the mouths of liars. Proverbs 19:5 promises 'a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape'—divine justice operates even when human courts fail.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 5:2) prescribed meticulous cross-examination of witnesses, asking about details of time, place, and circumstances. Even minor contradictions invalidated testimony. The judges were to compare testimonies for consistency (Hebrew: הזמה, hazmah). Mark's repeated emphasis suggests eyewitness knowledge of the trial's proceedings, possibly from Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea, both Sanhedrin members and secret disciples.
Reflection Questions
- Why does God allow false accusations to proceed yet prevent them from achieving their goal?
- How does the repeated failure of false testimony demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plots?
- What does this passage teach about God's preservation of the innocent even in corrupt judicial systems?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 8 wordsκαὶ1 of 8
“But”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν8 of 8
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 14:59 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.